PCB Files Preparation Guide

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How to Prepare Gerber Files

Before placing a PCB order, you need to export Gerber and drill files from your PCB design software. Below are guides for popular design tools.

PCB Gerber file dimensions
PCB Gerber file dimensions

Supported File Formats

  • Gerber files: RS-274X format (preferred)
  • Drill files: Excellon format
  • Package format: ZIP or RAR

Design Software Guides

  • KiCad 9/8/7/6/5: File → Plot → Select Gerber format → Plot all layers → Generate Drill files
  • Altium Designer / Altium 24: File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber Files
  • Eagle (Autodesk): File → CAM Processor → Use Gerber RS-274X
  • EasyEDA: Fabrication → Generate Gerber
  • Proteus: Output → Generate Gerber/Excellon files
  • DipTrace: File → Export → Gerber
  • Fritzing: File → Export → For Production → Extended Gerber
  • Sprint Layout: File → Export Gerber
  • CircuitMaker: Use Gerber output generator

Suggested Layer Naming

Layer stack-up

Layer stack-up
Surface finish

Surface finish
Layer Common Extensions
Top Copper .GTL, *-F_Cu.gbr
Bottom Copper .GBL, *-B_Cu.gbr
Top Solder Mask .GTS, *-F_Mask.gbr
Bottom Solder Mask .GBS, *-B_Mask.gbr
Top Silkscreen .GTO, *-F_SilkS.gbr
Bottom Silkscreen .GBO, *-B_SilkS.gbr
Board Outline .GKO, .GM1, *-Edge_Cuts.gbr
Drill File .DRL, *.xln

Tips for Best Results

  1. Always include a board outline layer
  2. Include drill files with your Gerber package
  3. Use the online Gerber viewer to verify your files before ordering
  4. Remove unnecessary files (PDFs, readmes) from your ZIP
  5. Ensure all layers are aligned correctly

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